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Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Gamble: Villeneuve Warns of Internal Tensions with Verstappen in 2025

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
December 27, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Liam Lawson Names Verstappen’s Controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Triumph as His Favorite F1 Race

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 03: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 03, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306030299 // Usage for editorial use only //

As Liam Lawson gears up for his full-time Red Bull Racing debut in 2025, the 22-year-old Kiwi finds himself at the center of speculation and scrutiny. Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has issued a stark warning to the Milton Keynes-based team, suggesting that Lawson’s assertive style could ignite internal tensions with the reigning four-time champion Max Verstappen.


“Rising Star or Red Flag?”

Lawson’s brief but impactful stint with Red Bull’s junior team in 2024 turned heads. Known for his bold, wheel-to-wheel battles with some of F1’s most seasoned drivers, Lawson showcased his talent but also developed a reputation for being brash and overly confident. Villeneuve, never one to mince words, labeled the rookie’s demeanor as “arrogant” and cautioned Red Bull about potential conflicts.

“He’s very arrogant for someone with such little experience,” Villeneuve said. “We’ll see how that attitude works with Max and within the team. If Lawson is quick and pushes Max, there will be friction.”

Villeneuve’s comments underline the unique challenge Lawson faces. Red Bull has been Verstappen’s domain for years, with the Dutchman firmly established as the team’s undisputed leader. Any hint of internal rivalry could disrupt team harmony—a dynamic that has caused issues for Red Bull in the past.


“A Tough Act to Follow”

The 2025 season represents a high-stakes environment for Lawson. Red Bull, reeling from a rare Constructors’ Championship defeat in 2024, is determined to return to dominance. The team’s decision to promote Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda was based on merit, despite Tsunoda’s continued improvement and the commercial appeal of a Japanese driver. Villeneuve acknowledged Lawson’s selection as a performance-driven choice.

“New Zealand is not a country that brings huge value to F1 or sponsors. They wouldn’t have considered that. They just want the best drivers,” Villeneuve remarked.

Lawson’s performances will be scrutinized from the outset. Red Bull has little patience for underperformance, as evidenced by its history of rapid driver changes. If Lawson struggles to keep pace with Verstappen early in the season, team principal Christian Horner might not hesitate to explore alternatives, including a potential mid-season recall for Tsunoda.


“Lawson vs. Verstappen: A Test of Temperaments”

Max Verstappen is known for his intensity and unwavering dominance at Red Bull. Sharing a garage with him is a daunting prospect for any driver, let alone a rookie. While Verstappen thrives as the team’s focal point, Lawson’s aggressive style and lack of deference could challenge that dynamic.

Villeneuve believes the young driver’s combative nature could either push Verstappen to new heights or destabilize the team.

“If Lawson pushes Max, there will be friction. That’s just how it goes when you have two strong personalities in the same team.”


“A Sink-or-Swim Moment for Lawson”

Liam Lawson’s 2025 campaign will be pivotal not only for his career but also for Red Bull’s championship ambitions. The pressure to deliver consistent results, stay competitive with Verstappen, and avoid internal conflict will test the mettle of the young New Zealander.

For now, Lawson has the opportunity to silence doubters and prove he belongs in Formula 1’s most competitive seat. But as history has shown, thriving at Red Bull requires more than just raw speed—it demands resilience, adaptability, and an ability to coexist with one of the sport’s greatest talents.

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